The fine warm weather brought out the crowds at Melksham River festival this weekend. Boat trips were fully subscribed as everyone wanted a better look at their local river. There were Wilderness narrow boats and steam boats on parade and canoe and scuba diving demonstrations. Onshore there was plenty of entertainment for the children and a variety of food stalls. There was excellent music from local bands on both days. The Wilts & Berks stands were giving out information, selling raffle tickets in aid of a second trip boat, lucky programmes, merchandise and signing up some new members. The general feeling seemed to be that it was lovely to see boats on the river and that the new navigation will bring great benefits to Melksham. Congratulations and thanks to all those volunteers who worked so hard to make it a success and many thanks to Leekes for their support and to Hall & Woodhouse for their lucky programme prizes and for supporting the music. Ken has put together a short video of some highlights of the day – see http://youtu.be/ZBTrtX0pV-Q
As I have not been going to so many meetings lately due to being rather immobile, it has been suggested that I am sitting around in the sunshine or reading books! Admittedly I spent my time in hospital re-reading “Narrowboat”, the Tom Rolt epic that inspired us all, but the rest of my spare time is spent in front of the PC working on various bids for money. There is a constant stream of projects at the moment that need funding, all urgent of course. One at the top of the list is a second trip boat like Dragonfly – her popularity in Melksham has underlined that. Projects also vying for the top places are Studley Grange, Melksham Link, Wichelstowe landing stage, the breach at Pewsham and the land fund.
This week a small team will get together to see how the short-term plans for the Peterborough Arms can be progressed- and some good news- the missing signs have been located and we hope to be able to reunite them soon with the Pub. Also the Wiltshire Swindon & Oxfordshire Canal Partnership will hold their quarterly meeting on Thursday.
Must get on and raise more money – enjoy the sunshine
Kath Hatton
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